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Lot Essay
The Jai Vilas palace in Gwalior is one of the most ambitious of India's classically inspired residences. It was built to celebrate the Prince of Wales's visit in 1876, and designed by Colonel Sir Michael Filose.
Silver is viewed as an important 'pure' metal in Hindu ritual. The god Ganesha is often depicted in silver medals, it is auspicious to gift silver on Dhanteras (the start of the festival of Diwali), and Hindus who use silver coins to perform their ritual prayers consider them sacred. Thus it is likely that this impressive silver bath held religious significance as well as being a sign of great wealth and luxury afforded only by Indian royalty.
Silver is viewed as an important 'pure' metal in Hindu ritual. The god Ganesha is often depicted in silver medals, it is auspicious to gift silver on Dhanteras (the start of the festival of Diwali), and Hindus who use silver coins to perform their ritual prayers consider them sacred. Thus it is likely that this impressive silver bath held religious significance as well as being a sign of great wealth and luxury afforded only by Indian royalty.